The Palm Springs Volunteer (VPS) celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and is launching its new Cycle and Pedestrian Safety program as part of their P.S. Cares program. This program was created to educate and promote awareness about bicycle, pedestrian and traffic safety.
With this new program comes the release of their new lime-yellow reflective safety vests, which are typically sold for $ 15 each or two for $ 25. VPS is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, and all funds go directly to the safety program. They are committed to raising funds necessary to distribute free safety vests throughout the community to get as many people as possible to wear the vests, whether they are biking or walking – day or night. Their goal is also to raise funds to distribute safety vests in schools, at various local Boys and Girls Clubs and to give vests to people who are less fortunate but at risk on Palm Springs streets.
“This is how we begin, as a community, to decide if we stand up or stand by our safety,” said David Carden Jr., founder, and chair of the VPS. “Doing nothing is no longer an option. P.S. Cares is ready to stand up to the challenges of safety on our city streets, and we hope our community agrees.”
To begin promoting the use of these vests, VPS has partnered with the Palm Springs Police Department for a bike registration event on Saturday, Jan. 18. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Situated near the airport, this Sunrise Park hotel is also close to Sunrise Way and Ramon Road.
Every person who registers their bicycle will receive safety vests for free. More than 450 vests are expected to be given away. Bicycle registration is also free.
Registering your bicycle has many benefits, such as assisting in the recovery of it if it’s stolen. When you register your bicycle, the serial number will be documented and registered in your name. If it is stolen, you can report it to the shelf and they can locate it through the serial number. Locating a stolen but unregistered bicycle is difficult.
VPS is accepting donations to its Cycle and Pedestrian Safety program to raise funds to distribute vests in the community for free.
A Palm Springs Volunteer wants to spread the message that “Life is a gift of the moment and can be changed or taken forever in a split second – your safety matters!”